Activities and Lesson Plans - Discussion Questions

What do you understand by ‘mental health’?
What do you understand by ‘mental illness’?

1 in 4 people will suffer from mental illness at some pointing their lives. 
What percentage of your class would this represent? 
Does this statistic surprise you?
What ordinary life events may be stressful for anyone?

If someone were ill for a longer period – either physically or mentally – what effect would it have on his or her everyday life?
What effect would it have on their family and those around them?
Think about how you would react. Would you find it easier to discuss with your friends a close relative being ill with a long term physical rather than a mental illness? Explain your answer. 

People who are treated by mental health services are now referred to as service users rather than patients. Why do you think this is? What do you think about this change?

Many conditions are treated in the community rather than by a stay in hospital. What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of these two courses of action for: